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From a point level ground, the angle of elevationn of the top of an 85 pole is 62 degrees. Find, to the nearest integer the distance from that point to the foot of the pole.
A 40 foot long wire stretches from the top of a vertical pole to a stake in the ground 18 feet from the foots of the pole. Find, to the nearest degree the measure of the acute angle that the wire makes with the ground.
Thanks! and any tips would also be helpful! (Nod)
Did you draw a picture? Remember thatQuote:
Originally Posted by Laura901
. If you substitute the appropriate values, you should have an equation that you can solve for the distance.
Again, draw a picture. Take the cosine of the angle and set it equal toQuote:
Originally Posted by Laura901
to form an equation. Then solve for that angle using
.
Does that help? If you get stuck, post the work you have done so far.
I don't think they teach arccos at the level of the question.
In case you're wondering, arccos = cos^-1. It should be the second function on the cos button of your calculator.
How else would you solve it? I should think such a question would presuppose knowledge of the inverse trigonometric functions, and any good instructor should mention both notations. I write it as arccos because there is no danger of it being confused with a reciprocal.Quote:
Originally Posted by sean.1986
I agree it should be taught, but I was just clarifying for the OP in case she didn't know.